Start a New Business

How Do I Start a New Business in Seaside?

The City of Seaside supports a range of businesses from national brands to locally-owned businesses. If you are planning to start a new business, there are a few steps to take before opening your doors for the first time.

If you want to open a business and do some research before coming to City Hall, the City of Seaside suggests you visit OpenCounter: Seaside. A web-based tool, Open Counter allows entrepreneurs to concentrate on their primary purpose: starting a business and creating jobs. It helps entrepreneurs interested in starting a business in Seaside to identify a location, understand the required approval process, and estimate the fees associated with setting up shop. The site is live and is in both English and Spanish.

The Planning Division is the place to start to make sure your business is a permitted land use on a particular property. Contact the Planning Division at (831) 899-6737 or visit us at City Hall at 440 Harcourt Avenue to find out about any planning permits you may need.

After checking in with the Planning Division, and receiving any required Planning permits, the Building Division and Finance Division will be able to accept your application for a Certificate of Occupancy and Business License.